By Karen Wuertz, DDS, and Peter Vitruk, PhD
Lingual Frenectomy and Significance of OMT
Frenectomy utilizing scissors or a scalpel is associated with several drawbacks, such as intra-operative hemorrhage (which impedes the visibility of the surgical field and may ultimately lead to scarring); the need for sutures; post-surgical pain and discomfort; and the potential for … [Read more...]

Treating obstructive sleep apnea with oral appliance therapy is a rewarding and challenging undertaking. Every doctor/clinician has patients who do not completely respond to oral appliance therapy (OAT.) Once this is known, decisions need to be made to modify treatment for the best possible outcome. In the case study below I will describe how an innovative device was combined … [Read more...]

Solving this Patient’s Dilemma
This is an interesting case where the patient was allergic to the silicone in the soft liner that is the interface of the CPAP mask to the face and also allergic to the neoprene straps of the CPAP mask. This middle aged woman has been trying to use the CPAP for 8 years off and on. She states that she cannot tolerate CPAP due to “allergy to neo … [Read more...]

by Daniel Klauer, DDS, DABCP, DABCDSM
When evaluating patients with sleep disorders, it’s ok to be nosy. We have to be detectives, delving into the details of patients’ waking and sleeping hours. One of the most beneficial parts of my diagnostic exam involves evaluating the airway and the “Four Points of Obstruction” comprising the nasal valve, nasopharynx, velopharynx, and o … [Read more...]

by Ronald S. Prehn, ThM, DDS
It is estimated that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects at least 25 million Americans.1 OSA occurs when a patient’s airway gets blocked during sleep. The benefits of physicians prescribing overnight pulse oximetry testing to pre-screen for OSA are well known.2,3 In addition, studies supporting the use of overnight pulse oximetry by dental s … [Read more...]